Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

This position provides breastfeeding education and support to participants of the WIC program.

• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a Peer Counselor.
• Receives/maintains a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned.
• Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including advising them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, getting a good start with breastfeeding and helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in person at the WIC office.
• Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers in WIC computer system.
• Refers mothers as appropriate to: WIC nutritionist, Lactation Consultant, Mother's physician or nurse, public health programs in the community and social service agencies as needed.
• Teaches breastfeeding classes for pregnant and postpartum mothers and leads breastfeeding support groups.
• Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.

• High school diploma, GED
• Past or current WIC participant, the "peer" in peer counselor required; 1 year preferred.
• Exclusively breastfed for a minimum of 6 months (no formula supplementation)
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Excels in written and telephone communications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite programs, in particular Excel.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Good customer service skills relating to persons of diverse ethnic cultural backgrounds, and the ability to communicate in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise judgment in unusual or stressful situations
• Enthusiastic about nursing and wants to help other parents enjoy a positive experience.
• Community oriented.
• Dependable - more reliable than spontaneous.
• People-oriented - enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects.
• Detail-oriented - would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture.
• Adaptable/flexible - enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction.